You can always email the company itself about its cruelty-free status, too. I did so with theBalm and got an answer within a day. They might lie, since there isn't a legal definition of "Cruelty -Free." But combined with internet research, it can be helpful
To me, being cruelty-free means avoiding companies that animal test whenever possible in life, and entirely when it comes to cosmetics and skincare. Those things are luxuries, and no animals need to suffer for any of my luxuries. I've been CF with my makeup for about seven months, which is when I started wearing more than cheap eye shadow and lip gloss, and cosmetics became a hobby for me. Before that, I always tried to be cruelty-free in general. Still do (it can be difficult) as well as trying to keep the environment in mind, use low-waste products, etc.
Some very good CF or vegan brands, seperated by general expensiveness
$
ELF (no animal testing, full line)
Madd Style Cosmetics (indie brand, 100% vegan, gorgeous. Sells eyeshadows, blush, lip balms, primer and base)
Hard Candy (owned by Wal-mart, sells a full line. I personally avoid Wal-Mart whenever possible due to shady employment practices, so I'm pointing out Wal-Mart owns them)
Zoya (Nail polish)
Yes To Carrots (Skincare)
Meow Cosmetics (indie brand that has hundreds of eyeshadows, a complete line of powder foundation, concealer, primer, blush, bronzer)
Queen Helene (skincare, cheap as heck, wonderful)
$$
Tarte (no animal testing and otherwise concerned with making their products as 'natural' as possible. )
Sonia Kashiuk (No animal testing, full line, fantastic brushes)
$$$
Tarte (some products fall under $$. No animal testing, otherwise concerned with making products as 'natural' as possible.' Multiple full lines)
Urban Decay (no animal testing, for now. Has vegan products, but at one point sold a vegan eye primer that was not, in face, vegan, )
Sugarpill (no animal testing, some items are vegan. Eye shadows and false lashes)
$$$$
Illamasqua (no animal testing, sells in China but only through their online store, which allows them to get around the "MUST TEST ON ANIMALS" law. Full line, noted for their lipstick and shadow colors. )
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (no animal testing, full line)
These are just the ones I've personally tried. If anyone knows something I don't about one of these companies, please let me know!